Around 67 per cent of Irish women are using contraception.

A new UN report launched today examines gender inequality around the world by looking at women's reproductive rights.

It found that inequality is highest in countries which have the least access to reproductive services.

Nicole Gernon reports:

This UN report "Worlds Apart" found that in most developing countries women in the poorest 20 per cent of the population have the least access to reproductive health services.

While Ireland is a developed country, there is only limited access to abortion and just 67 per cent use contraception due to cost barriers, poor sexual education and a fear of discussing the matter with our doctors.

The Irish Family Planning Association says while we've made progress we don't compare well to other developed countries.

In addition, just over 30 per cent of Irish managers are women which is again low compared to other European countries.

In developing countries there are 89 million unintended pregnancies every year and 48 million abortions.

The UN says looking at the level of access to reproductive rights can highlight gender inequality, which is something everyone should be concerned about.

The report sets out 10 things that developed countries can do to ensure better access to reproductive health services throughout the world to tackle inequality. 

These include meeting commitments to international treaties and providing funds.